Ayrton Senna

Over the decades the public has fallen in love with certain sports figures, but in many instances have also been forced to mourn the passing of these very special people. Sports are the foundation of society and certain figures can be inspirations and philanthropists for so many. The deaths of these important figures shocked the world and tore the hearts out of fans and loved ones around the world. Sports unite the world and in the darkest situations sports are more important than ever. 

The death of Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna's place in history is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. During his ten year Formula 1 career won the world championship three times and recorded and even more astonishing 41 races. During his career he raced for two of the most historic and successful Formula 1 teams ever being Lotus and Mclaren. 

Senna was born in Sao Paulo Brazil and although he left for England as a teenager to pursue his dream as a racing driver he never forgot his homeland. Over the course of his career he donated $400 million to children in poverty inside Brazil and helped establish the Ayrton Senna institute that still provides for those in need today. 

He was Brazil's golden son and he was so prideful of his country his helmet during races was adorned with the Brazilian flag's green and yellow. 

On May 1st 1994 Senna would race his last Formula 1 race ever. The San Marino Grand Prix held races from 1980-2006 and was known for its very tight corners that often resulted in crashes/ collisions. Ronald Ratzenberger, an Austrian driver and Senna raced close during the Friday qualifying, but during the Saturday qualifying things turned for the worst for Ratzenberger. Only twenty minutes into the poll race Ratzenberger came around the notorious villenueve corner going 190mph and crash into the concrete barrier suffering a fractured skull and was unresponsive when the medics pulled him from the wreckage. He would later die from his injuries at the hospital. 

Senna finished off qualifying that day in the #1 starting position and set a record for most pole positions at that time with 65. The race at San Marino began with Senna taking a commanding lead over Michael Schumacher. Then 17 minutes into the race the Brazilian legend took the narrow Tamburello corner wide and left the track going 190mph. Heading towards the wall an investigation concluded he held the brakes down for two seconds before slamming into the wall at 136mph. 

The moment was broadcast around the world as the medical team rushed into the blazing wreckage to save their hero. Nearly three hours after the race was finished and Michael Schumacher took the podium the world learned the horrendous news of Senna's death. 

Ayrton Senna would have been 55 years old on March 21st but in his short time on this earth he touched so many. The world mourned his deaths and San Marino was eventually shut down because of safety concerns. After an investigation into the wreckage the found an Austrian flag that Senna would have used to honor the death of Ronald Ratzenberger. 

The Brazilian government declared three days of mourning for their lost son. His funeral is regarded as the largest gathering of mourners in human history. Three million people lined the streets of Sao Paulo and his funeral was broadcast all over the world. His body was flown back in first class and the mourning train from the airport was lined with these millions of supporters. 

The funeral for Ratzenberger took place in Salzberg Austria two days later and the Senna family attended. Following the deaths of both drivers during the Monaco Grand Prix the first two starting grids were adorned in the Brazilian and Austrian flag colors to honor these two men. 

The 1994 Brazilian World Cup team won the World Cup that year and dedicated their win to Ayrton Senna. They wore replicas of his helmet following the game to show there gratitude for all his accomplishments. 

Ayrton Senna's death also forced Formula 1 to redesign the layout of all their cracks, add wall guards to reduce impacts on corners, and required higher safety standards in the cars. Since his high profile death no Formula 1 driver has died on the track on in qualifying. 

Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian legend and his impact on Brazil was immense.  His awareness and sacrifice to provide for those less fortunate in his homeland made him an adoring figure. His death shocked the world and left and entire nation in mourning. His legacy led to enhanced safety in Formula 1 and a legend about him that Brazil nor the world will ever forget. He was one of the most talented and successful racing drivers ever and during his ten year career his accomplishments are unmatched. Ayrton Senna is regarded as the greatest F1 driver ever because of the potential he could have had if his life wasn't cut short. His death touched so many and his legacy is one for the ages.